P0255 code meaning
Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0255 means
These codes cover the electrically controlled fuel metering actuator on a diesel injection pump – on common rail usually an inlet metering valve on the high-pressure pump that sets how much fuel is compressed. P0255 reports brief open or short circuits in the actuator A circuit that come and go – typically a loose contact or a wire breaking under vibration. No manufacturer using it with exactly this meaning was found; a Ram 6.7 Cummins code list names it as a circuit performance fault instead. The description follows CARB's continuous circuit monitoring requirement and the documented A siblings.
P0255 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0255
- Check engine light (often goes out again)
- Brief jerking or power dips
- Occasional limp mode
Common causes of P0255
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the metering actuator connector
- PossibleHarness chafing intermittently (vibration)
- Less likelyActuator coil with a temperature-dependent fault
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel metering actuator aHigh pressure fuel pumpActuator wiring
What each part of P0255 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 55 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0255 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0255
What does P0255 mean?
P0255 means "Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control A Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)". These codes cover the electrically controlled fuel metering actuator on a diesel injection pump – on common rail usually an inlet metering valve on the high-pressure pump that sets how much fuel is compressed. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0255?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0255 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0255 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0255 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0255 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0255 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.